Battery Critical Notification

[jjonnic]

Just bought a two and a half year old GLC 300 from motorcraft. Every time after it's been parked up two hours I get the notification and dash message. Had it in MB dealers today and they said battery may need trickle charging or a new battery but that isn't covered by warranty. They called me to say job done. Collected it and two hours later battery critical. It's not doing my anxiety any good. Now I have seen a few threads about this issue but no-one seems to have got to the root of the problem. What do I need to say when I go in to tell them it's no different. If the problem is so long standing they must have a fix by now surely. Thanks.

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome,

If you’ve just bought it take it back to motocraft, tell them the battery isn’t holding a charge and ask them to replace it for you.

All modern cars place very high demands on the battery and electrical system. Batteries have to be in excellent condition to keep everything going and Mercedes advice to fit a battery conditioner/ charger is a good one.

 

[Uncle Benz]

Sadly batteries are not what they once were. It wasn’t uncommon to see ten year old ones still going strong. These days three years if you are lucky it seems.

 

[ajlsl600]

Like all today dtf my w208 batt last ten Yr. Was origional. I sure most new car batts are to a different standard to any bought after. The idea being 2x old prices. Done as soon as warranty out. Almost like they hav inbuilt time!!!

 

[brandwooddixon]

@Blobcat is correct. Your first port of call is always the dealer. If it was one of the suggestions by MB then a new main battery is a simple and relatively cheap fix - certainly cheaper than a couple of hours diagnostic at a dealer.

 

[peterws1957]

Just bought a two and a half year old GLC 300 from motorcraft. Every time after it's been parked up two hours I get the notification and dash message. Had it in MB dealers today and they said battery may need trickle charging or a new battery but that isn't covered by warranty. They called me to say job done. Collected it and two hours later battery critical. It's not doing my anxiety any good. Now I have seen a few threads about this issue but no-one seems to have got to the root of the problem. What do I need to say when I go in to tell them it's no different. If the problem is so long standing they must have a fix by now surely. Thanks.

Usual fob off from Motorcraft - nothing to do with warranty, consumer legislation applies. Their responsibility and you can reject the car, that usually gets dealers interested.

 

[Headhurts]

I purchased a 2021 GLC with only 2300 miles on it, I got the low battery warning a few times even after charging with a CTEK MXS 5.0 but this did not initially help I then used the charger but set it to recondition mode, this takes ages to run but that was around 3 months ago and I have not had a problem since.

These cars do seem to be kept fully charged.

As you have had a new battery I would return to supplier in case it was not fully charged on fitting.

Robin

 

[rifiki]

Modern MBs do not like short, 5 - 6 miles trips. not long enough to charge the battery.
If this is the case buy a smart charger.

 

[Srdl]

My GLC is now four years old and original battery is fine. I did get the “battery critical” message on the Mercedes Me app the other day while the car was with Autoglass for a new windscreen and calibration but it started fine when I picked it up and I have had no problems since.

OP - are you using the car much? It may be that the car has been sat around for months, waiting to be sold, and just needs a couple of good runs to sort out the battery. If you are doing a lot of short runs, with headlights and heated seats on, then it will take a while to recover.

 

[jjonnic]

Usual fob off from Motorcraft - nothing to do with warranty, consumer legislation applies. Their responsibility and you can reject the car, that usually gets dealers interested.

Motorcraft to be fair said if it needs a battery then they will replace it as it will be cheaper than main dealers. The main dealer said the battery isn't covered bey manufacturers warranty. For a car that's only done 10k seems pretty poor. Anyone had this problem and finally got it sorted. If so what was the problem.

 

[Blobcat]

Motorcraft to be fair said if it needs a battery then they will replace it as it will be cheaper than main dealers. The main dealer said the battery isn't covered bey manufacturers warranty. For a car that's only done 10k seems pretty poor. Anyone had this problem and finally got it sorted. If so what was the problem.

It’s not down to mileage, it’s down to lack of use.

Just get motorcraft to replace it then either use it more or get a battery conditioner

 

[jjonnic]

It gets half hour on motorway on a morning and afternoon and bits in between. Had it in shop overnight on tickle charge and three days on and no notifications so far. Fingers crossed.

 

[jjonnic]

It gets half hour on motorway on a morning and afternoon and bits in between. Had it in shop overnight on tickle charge and three days on and no notifications so far. Fingers crossed.

Spoke too soon. Parked it up an hour ago and here we go again, battery critical. Looks like a new battery.

 

[sonic]

Sadly batteries are not what they once were. It wasn’t uncommon to see ten year old ones still going strong. These days three years if you are lucky it seems.

I remember in the 60's when batteries only lasted about 18 months, you could get a 3 years warranty for a much higher price.
We have done well with MB batteries 6 cars between us over 21 years & only one replacement battery. That battery was 9 years old.
My 2011 E350CDI is still on its original battery.

 

[s5tuart]

My battery was fine if I did short runs unless I left the stop/start turned on. That seemed to have a big effect on the charge.

 

[Mr Greedy]

As per @peterws1957
Yes, Motorcraft and Merc are probably correct, this is not covered by a warranty.

Luckily for you it IS covered by consumer rights legislation.

If the car is less than 30 days since purchase you can reject without reason. If you are not getting the satisfaction you feel necessary and are within this time limit, consider pursuing this route.

If between 30 days and circa 6 months, pre-existing faults should be rectified by the trader selling the car. The legislation is broadly that they shouldn't sell a car with pre-existing faults, and it is generally considered that if a fault is found within 6 months, it was likely pre-existing.

Don't let them fob you off with 'warranty'. That's the biggest con of misdirection that car dealers try on (and get away with) probably on a daily basis with huge numbers of customers.

It's nothing to do with warranty.

 

[peterws1957]

Spoke too soon. Parked it up an hour ago and here we go again, battery critical. Looks like a new battery.

I'd be checking the output from the alternator just to be sure. You don't want to knacker a brand new battery!